The site was renamed Forward Operating Base Jividen in honor of Spc. Nicholas Jividen, an intel analyst assigned to 3rd Battalion, Headquarters and Support Company, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), who passed away during a training accident at the National Training Center on Fort Irwin, Calif. on Nov. 6, 2018.
While expressing his condolences to the formation and community, the Commander of 7th SFG(A), Col. Patrick T. Colloton said, “It was an honor having Spc. Jividen serve within the ranks of 7th SFG(A). He was a part of our family, and will not be forgotten.”
“Our focus now is to provide the best possible care and support for his family, friends and loved ones. I ask that you to keep them, and the rest of the Jividen Family, in your thoughts and prayers,” said Colloton.
The unveiling of the sign was met with sadness and remembrance with the dedication to Jividen.
The renamed training site, remained in place for the duration of Warfighter 19-02, which bore his name will until exercise completion. However, the sign was returned back to the 7th Group compound, and now rests at the entrance to 3rd Bn, HSC, 7th SFG(A) and added to their “Hall of Heroes.”
Present for the dedication were some of his friends and brothers in arms, including the artist of the sign. The sign was designed and made by Pvt. Joseph Kelly, a wheeled-vehicle mechanic assigned to Group Support Battalion, 7th SFG(A).
“It was an honor to be selected to create a sign in memory of Spc. Jividen,” said Kelly. “A lot of people on this compound knew him, and the sign is a tribute to his memory.”
After the dedication ceremony, 7th SFG(A) Group Soldiers held a moment of silence, taking time to remember their fallen comrade.
Specialist Jividen is survived by his mother Margaret, brother Daniel, and sister Kirsten.
His awards and decorations include: the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.